Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds Trade Leads; Anthem RC Edged, 29-38

Anthem RC earned one bonus point in the standings for scoring four tries

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 16, 2024) – Anthem Rugby Carolina faced narrow defeat, 29-38, in the home finale against the Chicago Hounds on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Anthem RC plays the final match of the club’s inaugural season on the road against the New England Free Jacks on Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. The match can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Anthem RC took an early lead with a try scored by Connor Robinson in the fourth minute and a successful conversion kick by Cliven Loubser. The Hounds responded quickly with a try in the seventh minute, but the unsuccessful conversion kick kept Anthem RC in the lead, 7-5. Chicago took the lead in the 16th minute.

Loubser scored the next try for Anthem Rugby Carolina, tying the score 12-12, in the 24th minute. Chicago responded quickly again and took the lead, 12-19, in the 27th minute.

Tomasi Alosio ran most of the length of the field for a try followed by a successful conversion by Loubser to bring the teams tied, 19-19, going into halftime.

The first points of the second half were scored by Loubser by way of a penalty goal. After numerous penalties moved Anthem RC up the pitch, Loubser attempted another penalty goal, but this one curved left of the goal posts.

Another lead change came in the 58th minute due to a Chicago try. The Hounds led 22-26 following a successful conversion kick. 

Immediately after the restart kick, Robinson recovered a loose ball and passed it to Oscar Koller who found Joe Apikotoa running into the try zone for a 29-26 Anthem RC lead.

Continuing the match’s trend, the Hounds gained an advantage, 29-33, in the 70th minute. Chicago extended its lead not long after to 29-38 with only five minutes remaining.

Playing at a quick tempo, Anthem RC battled to score again, but the match ended in victory for the Hounds.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Anthem Rugby Carolina plays the final match of the club’s inaugural season on Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. against the New England Free Jacks. The match can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.